The Los Azulejos hike is one of the more unknown hiking trails on the island. But after completing it I strongly believe it’s one of the most beautiful hikes in Gran Canaria.
Nestled in the heart of the island, near the village of Veneguera, this hike showcases an extraordinary display of naturally colored rock formations known as Los Azulejos, which translates to “The Tiles.”
Hiking Route 2 to Charco de las Aneas in Gran Canaria is a hidden gem for those looking for a bit of adventure mixed with stunning natural beauty. This trail might be a bit off the beaten path, but it’s a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes of the island.
We did the loop clockwise and this way the steepest part is the incline which is always a little safer in my opinion. Also, I prefer to get the hardest part over and done with.
In this article I will tell you everything you need to know about the best hike to see Los Azulejos.
Los Azulejos Hiking Stats
Hiking Distance – 7.1km
Elevation – 557m
Route Type – Loop
Duration – 3.5 hours
Level – Hard
Parking Lot – There are a few parking spaces alongside the road at the start of the hiking trail.
Best time to visit – This was definitely the hardest hike that we did and I strongly advise you to start early so that the steepest climb is over and done with before the hottest part of the day.
Toddler proof? – Only as a mix of self walking and carrying.
Interesting facts about Los Azulejos in Gran Canaria
The vibrant hues of Los Azulejos are a result of hydrothermal alteration, where volcanic gases and heated water interact with the minerals in the basalt rocks. This chemical reaction produces the remarkable array of colors, including greens, yellows, and blues, which resemble the tiles found in traditional Spanish architecture, hence the name “Los Azulejos” or “The Tiles.”
The colors of the rock formations are most vivid after rainfall, which enhances the mineral colors and makes for an exceptional viewing experience, especially for photographers.
Despite its geological significance, Los Azulejos remains a relatively lesser-known tourist attraction compared to other sites in Gran Canaria. This makes it an excellent destination for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path sights and enjoy the natural beauty of the island without the crowds.
How to reach the Los Azulejos trailhead
The area around Los Azulejos is part of the larger Parque Rural del Nublo, a protected rural park that is home to diverse flora and fauna, including pine forests and endemic species unique to the Canary Islands.
The site is accessible by car and is a popular stop for those exploring the island’s western part. Here’s how to get there.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Los Azulejos:
- From Maspalomas and the southern resorts: Take the GC-1 north towards Las Palmas, then switch to the GC-2 towards Agaete. From there, follow the GC-200, which winds through the mountains towards La Aldea de San Nicolás. Continue on this road, and you will find Los Azulejos on the way to Mogán.
- From Las Palmas: Take the GC-2 south towards Agaete, and then proceed as above on the GC-200 towards La Aldea de San Nicolás.
🅿️ PARKING – There is a designated parking area along the GC-605 where you can safely park your car and view Los Azulejos from a close distance. The area is well-marked, and you should have no trouble finding a spot unless it’s particularly busy.
Hiking Route 2 to Charco de las Aneas with a baby
Gran Canaria was the second destination we visited with César, who by then was 6 months old. His wake windows were becoming longer compared to when we were hiking in Tenerife. But I have to say: our little one is an absolute trooper when it comes to hiking adventures.
But since he got a lot bigger it was now up to Christof to carry him in his baby carrier. He wasn’t yet able to sit up straight so we still had to carry him in the front and inward facing. But because he had grown so much over the past 3 months I wasn’t able to see my own two feet anymore when I was carrying him. Not a safe hiking situation if you ask me. I still very much like to see where my feet are going when hitting the trails.
Besides all of the necessary baby items I also brought my hiking poles. Hiking Route 2 to Charco Azul has a pretty steep incline so my knees were very happy with the additional support.
💡 TIP – Before we never brought a pacifier with us when hiking but this time we started doing so. Just make sure the clip on is attached properly so you don’t lose it. I advise you to attach it to your babies clothes and not the carrier.
💡 TIP – I know those little baby shoes are absolutely adorable but I don’t recommend them for wearing when hiking with a baby. César loves kicking his feet and we already lost 1 shoe on his very first hike that he wore them…
Hiking Route 2 to Charco de las Aneas – A step by step guide
We drove up to Los Azulejos coming from the South where we were staying. One thing I really loved about this place is that it’s way less frequently visited by tourists than other parts of Gran Canaria.
Start of the trail – Click here
There’s a small path of parking right in front of the start but if this would be full there’s more parking space to be found at the local shop a few meters back.
The trail starts off with a bit of a scramble. So don’t be alarmed if at the start the hiking trail absolutely does not look like a proper trail. Once you’ve climbed up the first part you’ll know exactly where to go. Although in my personal opinion it’s always best to have an offline route on hand.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, the hike up is pretty tiring but the views that you get in return make it all worth it! You’ll have a front row view to the colorful Los Azulejos ( a lot more than you can just see from the main road) but also the rest of the Parque Rural del Nublo is astounding.
Here and there you’ll also come across some natural pools. Talking about swimming with a view! To be fair I had seen photographs of these pools online but during our visit the water really didn’t look inviting. So bring your bathing suit but also prepare yourself that it might not be the best idea to enter the water.
Once you reach the top of the trail you’ll walk along a paved road for a couple of hundred meters. This is definitely the easiest part of the hike and you might run into some trail runners or bikers (there’s a lot of them in Gran Canaria!) But make sure you don’t miss the turn off for following the trail back down. At this part especially the offline map came in very handy!
The trail back down requires steady footing so make sure you’re wearing proper hiking boots for this hike! There’s a lot of loose gravel and at times the path can be pretty slippery so be very cautious when hiking back to the main road.
Once you’ve made it down you’ll have to walk along the GC-200 for a few hundred meters. It’s always safest if you walk on the side of the road so you face the cars driving towards you. The road does involve some curves so make sure to stick to the sides.
Before you go back to your car make sure to stop at the local shop where they sell fresh fruits and juices!
The best time to hike on Gran Canaria
The best time to hike in Gran Canaria largely depends on the specific region of the island you plan to explore due to its diverse climates and terrain. For cooler and comfortable hiking conditions, the optimal periods are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months provide mild temperatures and relatively stable weather, ideal for long walks and exploring the island’s varied landscapes, from coastal paths to mountainous terrain. Spring is particularly delightful as the island bursts into bloom after the winter rains, enhancing the scenic beauty with lush vegetation and colorful flora.
Summer (June to August) can be quite hot, especially in the lower, more arid parts of the island, making hiking more challenging during peak daylight hours. If you opt for a summer hike, it’s advisable to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Conversely, winter (December to February) offers cooler temperatures, which can be ideal for more strenuous hikes in the mountainous regions, though the possibility of rain is higher and should be considered when planning your excursions. Regardless of when you choose to hike, always check local weather conditions in advance, as Gran Canaria can experience microclimates that vary significantly over short distances.
Where to stay on Gran Canaria
We chose to stay at Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria and it was the best decision we could have made. The hotel is located at Playa de San Agustín and boasts incredible ocean views.
My main draw to the hotel was its design and their luxury all inclusive service. Our baby stayed for free and we got a beautiful cot set up for him in our room. There are several restaurants in the hotel but one of the biggest benefits for me was their lavish buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You never know how dinner will go with a baby and with a buffet you have a less strict schedule and can take care of your little one if he needs you.
They had plenty of high chairs for kids and also a kids pool where he could test the water without being too cold in the big swimming pool.
I also loved the driving distance to most attractions so our car time never was too short. This way César could enjoy a good nap in his carseat before embarking on a new adventure.
The hotel also has an adults only section so no angry looks from other people if your baby gets fussy. Not that this should bother you but I know a lot of parents will absolutely love this.
CLICK HERE FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE STAY AT PARADISUS BY MELIÁ GRAN CANARIA.
If you have any questions about how to visit Gran Canaria or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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